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Take Galaxy Note7, but switch them off on planes, rules aviation regulator
NEW DELHI: Airline passengers will be banned from using or charging their Samsung Galaxy Note7 phablets on planes, and will not be allowed to keep the devices in
NEW DELHI: Airline passengers will be banned from using or charging their Samsung Galaxy Note7 phablets on planes, and will not be allowed to keep the devices in check-in baggage.
The move follows a global recall of the device by Samsung following complaints that its batteries can catch fire.
In a first-of-its-kind order, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement issued on Friday: “In light of the recent incidents involving battery incidents with Samsung about its Galaxy Note7 devices globally, travelling public and airlines are advised not to switch on these mobiles during the flight or stow them in any checked in baggage.”
“We are aware of the DGCA notice. Consumer safety and peace of mind are our top priority. Galaxy Note7 sales have not started in India, and we have delayed sales to alleviate any safety concerns. We plan to expedite new shipments of Galaxy Note7 soon to reduce any inconvenience for our customers, a Samsung India spokesperson said.
The DGCA’s order comes hours after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a similar directive. “In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage,” the FAA order said.
The ban is likely to hurt the world’s biggest smartphone maker’s brand image, experts said. “You make millions of dollars when you launch a new phone in the next few quarters, but a ban, especially by the US authorities, impacts both the brand and its sales,” said Harminder Sahni, founder of consulting firm Wazir Advisors.
Until last week, 35 cases of explosions involving Note7 phones have been reported. It was the outcome of faulty manufacturing process at one of Samsung’s three battery suppliers.
It will take a couple of weeks to replace the 2.5 million Note7 phones shipped so far, Samsung said. The company also said it was halting sales of the Note7, and will replace those that have already been sold with new Note 7 phones.
A senior DGCA official said the notice is for the safety of aircraft operations and passengers on-board. “Airlines have also been advised to look in the matter.”
Airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, have banned the use of the device.
Australian carriers have also banned the phones, even in switched-off state, from being plugged into flights’ USB ports.
In India, too, airline companies are evaluating the measures and would look into the DGCA’s notice, spokespersons of two airline companies said.
The DGCA, however, did not specify any action it would take if anyone is found using the Note7 on-board.
